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O'Neill selects squad for Three International Friendly v Netherlands

O'Neill selects squad for Three International Friendly v Netherlands

Martin O'Neill has selected a 35-man Republic of Ireland squad for the 'Three' International Friendly against Netherlands at Aviva Stadium on May 27.

12th May 2016

In what will be a crucial game in preparation for UEFA EURO 2016, the visit of Danny Blind's team - who are 17th in the FIFA World Rankings - to Dublin allows O'Neill to test his players against quality opposition.

After missing the March friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia through injury, there are recalls for Shay Given, Marc Wilson, Jeff Hendrick, Harry Arter, Jonathan Walters, and David McGoldrick.

There is also a first senior call-up for Ireland Under 21 international Callum O'Dowda, who recently helped Oxford United seal automatic promotion to League Two in England.

"Everything now is about preparing for EURO 2016 and that is why we wanted to play a team of the calibre of the Netherlands as we aim to make the most of our time ahead of the departure for France," said O'Neill at a press conference at Three's Headquarters.

"We will travel to Fota Island Resort for a training camp and a game against Belarus in the week afterwards, but this game at the Aviva Stadium is very important in terms of building our match sharpness and getting into tournament mode.

"It is also an opportunity to play in front of the Ireland supporters, who have been terrific, at the Aviva Stadium before leaving for the EUROs and that is something that means a lot to the players because when we get together, it all comes together."

The Ireland squad will begin their preparations for EURO 2016 on Monday, May 23 at the FAI National Training Centre before facing Netherlands on Friday, May 27. O'Neill will announce his EURO 2016 panel the following day at a press conference.

The squad will then transfer to County Cork for a week-long training camp at Fota Island Resort and take on Belarus in a 'Three' International Friendly on Tuesday, May 31 at Turner's Cross.